Steve Todd

Resisting a false religion

2010-05-01T22:08:00.003-05:00

Here's something I'm going to share in my sermon tomorrow morning. I can't say I'm living up to all of it, but hopefully I'm a work in progress. I'm calling it "One Christ-follower’s attempt to put the reins on unbridled consumption." Please comment with your thoughts or your list.

1. I do not believe I deserve something just because I can afford it.

2. I will not buy stuff just to make me feel better.

3. I will not teach my kids that they deserve the best of everything, or even the best I can afford.

4. I will not choose brand name products just so I can feel good about owning them or so I can display their corporate names and logos.

5. I choose to live below what I can afford so I can bless others and God’s kingdom.

6. I will not allow my spending to infringe on my tithing.

7. I resist the assumption that I should get to have all my wants and preferences fulfilled.

8. I desire to be wise and not wasteful in the items I buy, which doesn’t mean they can’t be attractive, but they must also be useful, practical, durable and environmentally sustainable.

9. I will postpone and save rather than buy on credit.

10. I will endeavor to learn if the companies, whose products I buy, treat their employees well and pay them fairly. And I am willing to pay more for that to happen or go without.

So far with fasting, solitude and silence

2010-03-17T16:08:00.001-05:00

Happy St. Pat's Day!

A month ago I decided to do some fasting and have some times of solitude and silence during Lent to hopefully help increase my receptivity to God. So I wanted to tell about how it's been going.

As I said at the Ash Wednesday service, the odd thing about fasting and times of solitude and silence is that you're not doing anything. It's about refraining from doing, and it's natural for us to think that nothing's going on.

It's like the soil during the winter. It seems like nothing's happening; it's just wasted time. But it's not. My dad is a farmer, and he says that it's good for the soil to get a good solid freeze, because it has the same effect on the soil as it does on our city streets. It loosens it up. It prepares the soil for growth.

That image of loosening the soil for growth has stayed with me during my fasting, solitude, and silence.

In our culture, we're addicted to doing, aren't we? We're addicted to doing and talking and going. We eat and we talk and we work, and we get on our phones and computers and TVs, and then we eat and talk some more. In fasting, solitude, and silence we slow down and put away those activities for a time.

Personally, I believe I'm beginning to sense that my soul is loosening up, and I'm becoming more receptive and sensitive to God.

I often use scripture to help me focus during those times. When my appetite gets my attention during the day while fasting, I might recall the time Jesus said that we don't live by bread alone but on every word of God (Matthew 4:4). Or I might remember the time Jesus said that he had food others didn't know about. His food was doing his Father's will (John 4:34).

And when I practice solitude and silence, my focus is all about resting in God. As my mind wanders I may bring it back by imagining Jesus saying to me, "Come to me, ... and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Sometimes I recite the verse, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

Or I just tell myself that I have nothing to do right now but rest in God. A lot of times it feels like I'm not very good at it. It's hard for me to just rest in God. Maybe that's why I need it.

I want to encourage you between now and Easter to experiment with some limited fasting as your health allows, or try some periods of solitude and silence. Maybe by putting aside our overfilled lives for a time we will find the soil loosening and our souls becoming more receptive. Let me know how it goes.

Gratitude can set us free

2010-02-24T09:40:00.002-06:00

I've been reading a very good, challenging book: Colossians Remixed by married couple Brian Walsh and Sylvia Keesmaat. Today I found a blog with some stuff from Brian. I want to share with you part of his poem on Gratitude. Here's a link to the whole thing. He goes on to express gratitude for discovering the grace of Christ at a street mission as a youth.

In a culture of perpetual dissatisfaction,
…a culture where you are what you have made yourself,
…a culture of ceaseless craving
……for new experiences,
……for consumer goods,
……for power,
……for sex,
……for wealth,
……for status,
…a culture of hyperactive frenzy and anxiety,
…a culture of paralysis and numbness,
……in this culture,
……gratitude can set us free.

Gratitude receives life as a gift,
…not a self-made accomplishment.

Gratitude is rooted in deep satisfaction,
…not held captive to dissatisfaction.

Gratitude replaces isolation
…with community.
Gratitude replaces competition
…with friendship.

Gratitude meets an economy of ‘more’
…with the audacious experience of ‘enough.’

Gratitude abandons aggression
…for gentleness.

Gratitude shakes off arrogance,
…for humility.

If the peace of Christ rules in our hearts,
…if we know the power of forgiveness,
…if we have been renewed in Christ,
…if love binds our lives together,
…then we will be thankful.

If the word of Christ dwells in us richly,
…if the word of Christ takes up residence deep in our lives,
…if that word begins to bear fruit in us,
…if wisdom begins to shape our imaginations,
…then we will sing songs of profound gratitude.

If we have come to Christ,
…if we give our whole lives to Christ,
…if we submit every dimension of our lives to his loving rule,
…if we do everything in the name of Christ,
……then our whole lives will be a thanks offering,
……our whole lives will give thanks to God our Father.

Christian ministry is not a duty,
…it is an act of gratitude.

Jim Wallis interviewed on The Daily Show

2010-01-21T12:31:00.002-06:00

I've been following Jim Wallis for nearly 30 years, and while I don't agree with everything, he's worth reading and listening to. He was interviewed by John Stewart last night on The Daily Show. Here's the video. -Steve Todd

Wesley's Covenant Prayer

2010-01-09T14:59:00.002-06:00

On Sunday, January 10, I'm inviting everyone of Horizons to pray this prayer everyday for the rest of the month. It's from John Wesley, so it's old--18th century. The language is archaic, but it's still powerful.

I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.

Poems for Christmas

2009-12-24T10:28:00.002-06:00

I read one of Ben Witherington's poems Christmas Eve and another earlier in Advent. Here's a link to a post on his blog where you will find both poems plus a couple more. You may want to use them at your family gathering on Christmas Day.

Blessings to all. -st

Flash Forward: free will vs. determinism

2009-11-18T15:17:00.000-06:00

It’s been a while since I’ve gotten into a TV show, but Flash Forward is getting me hooked, though I’ve watched more episodes online than on Thursday nights.

If you haven’t watched it or didn’t catch the hype leading up to the September premier, on one day everybody in the world simultaneously blacks out for two minutes and 17 seconds. During that time, nearly everyone has a vision of his or her life six months into the future, their flash forward.

That raises an interesting question: Is the future as seen in the flash forward inevitable or changeable? Are the flash forwards a clue to what could happen or a certainty of what will happen? Sounds like the question Scrooge asked the ghost of Christmas future, doesn’t it? It’s a question of free will. Are we genuinely free to choose, or is choice an illusion? (That question was answered to some degree in episode seven, “The Gift.”)

Sometimes the question gets asked about Judas Iscariot. If his betrayal of Jesus was a fulfillment of scripture, then was he truly exercising free choice? Or was he unknowingly following a script written for him that he could not escape? Personally I believe that Judas was free to choose to betray Jesus or not, even though his free choice was foreseen and foretold.

Left to ourselves, all we would choose is evil. But God graciously chooses to make freewill possible for us. And God gives us this free choice, because he “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Living the Dash

2009-09-30T09:52:00.003-05:00

Sunday we started the series "One Month to Live" and the first lesson our groups are doing this week is "Living the Dash."

On Sunday Scott Samuelson told me about a poem he read at his uncle's funeral called "How do you live your dash?" You can search for it and find it on several sites, but here's a video presentation of it authorized by the author.

http://www.thedashmovie.com/

It might be a little schmaltzy, but since it fit the occasion, I thought you might like to see it.

-Steve

I’m praying for health care reform

2009-08-19T16:41:00.002-05:00

I’m not particularly partisan about this debate. For those of you who are, please indulge me a moment. I’m okay with Newt Gingrich’s plan, and I’m okay with President Obama’s plan. The way I look at it, it doesn’t matter which one we start with, because the will of the American people will force it to be revised.

Do I trust the federal government to determine the health care I can receive? Of course not! Do I trust a large insurance corporation to act in my best interest? The answer is the same: Of course not!

Last month I talked to a doctor of internal medicine who has her own solo practice. She has to hire a fulltime staff person just to haggle with insurance companies to get them to pay what they are legally obligated to pay on behalf of her patients. They try one sneaky tactic after another. She is so sick of it, she said she’d rather have a government-run, single-payer system.

This surprised me, so I asked her if she really thought a government-run system would be better. Her reply was something like, “It couldn’t be worse.”

I’m not advocating a single-payer system, and it seems that even Obama’s public option is currently in doubt. But here’s what I am advocating: affordable healthcare available for all.

I don’t want a system that sends the uninsured to the ER when what they really need is a visit to the clinic. I don’t want a system where people die undiagnosed because they couldn’t afford a doctor’s visit. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.

Like many of you, I’m fortunate. I have good health insurance. But we the insured are more vulnerable than we like to think. I don’t want a system where between jobs we lose our coverage, or we can’t afford to keep it. I don’t want a system where, if one of my young adult kids suffers from a major illness or injury, we find out too late that he or she was between coverage or terribly underinsured. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.

I don’t want a system where some are denied the benefits of group health coverage, because they’re self-employed or work for a small business. I don’t want a system that balloons the national debt, leaving it to our grandchildren to pick up the tab. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.

Generally speaking, I believe that the free market system has served the American people well. Competition has spurred innovation while keeping costs down. My preference is to harness it rather than abandon it. But the free market isn’t designed to work for everybody. And I don’t want a health care system that has no conscience. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.

A VBS moment to remember

2009-07-30T09:52:00.001-05:00

It’s Thursday, and we’re heading into our last night at Vacation Bible School. I’m a crew leader this year with seven 5th and 6th graders, and I’m loving it.

Tuesday night I invited some friends to come and experience VBS at Horizons. Jeff and Linda Thurman moved here about a month ago to begin planting a new church in northeast Lincoln. They came to our VBS for the first hour, and what they saw and heard just blew them away. Before they left, Jeff told me that there may be some bigger VBS programs out there, but none are better than Horizons!

Last night at our closing in the worship center, each crew was given a strip of black plastic about 6” x 30”. Each person in the crew was to grab on to the plastic and think of one thing we’ve done that we’re sorry for. Then the crew leaders took the plastic strips up to the front and hung them on a wooden cross. While we sang, an older youth volunteer came forward wearing burlap, representing Jesus.

As we watched and sang a slow song, all those strips of plastic, representing our sins, were draped on to his shoulders and open arms. Then we saw him walk through the worship center and carry them away. The girl next to me was so moved, that she spontaneously began clapping. It seemed to be her way of thanking Jesus for carrying her sins. I felt the same way, so I started clapping with her. Soon others were joining in. That was when I felt my eyes getting full with tears.

It was a moment I won’t soon forget.

Standing up to Hitler

2009-06-22T12:33:00.003-05:00

Last week Tricia and I rented and watched the movie "Valkyrie," based on the true story of a plot by German army officers to assassinate Hitler and gain control of the country. Personally, I had no idea this kind of dissension existed in the ranks of the Third Reich. While Valkyrie is not a great movie, it kept me engaged and wanting to know more. I recommend it.

And then I was pleased to read a Local View column, "In Germany, the rest of the story", in today's Journal Star by Pastor Walter Rowoldt, contradicting the much held view that Christians in Germany were either silent and weak in the face of Hitler's anti-Jewish propoganda, or they bought into it easily. I hope you'll read it.

May those of us who have been rescued by Jesus the Christ remain true to him, and may the Holy Spirit give us the clarity and courage to stand firm when we are tested.

I'm down with UP

2009-06-01T10:52:00.003-05:00

Tricia and I saw Pixar's UP in 3-D Friday night, and I agree with just about every movie reviewer, that this is a great show. I won't give away any of the story, but there's adventure, humor, love, loss, loyalty, and good vs. evil all spun together in a tale that keeps moving. And like every good story, elements introduced early are woven back in later.

I was so fascinated by the artistry of the animation that sometimes I found myself giving it as much attention as the story. The main character, Carl the curmudgeon balloon vendor, has a square, over-sized head (patterned after Spencer Tracy, I've heard); even his fingers have square edges.

Their journey's destination is a place called Paradise Falls, which, when I thought about it later, carries some significant symbolism. See what you think.

If you're looking for a great show you can take the kids to (if they're of the age where they can handle cartoon ferocious dogs) I give this one all thumbs UP. And if you see it in 3-D, which I recommend, that stands for the extra three dollars you'll need per person for the goofy glasses.

Prayer for an astronaut

2009-04-27T12:11:00.002-05:00

Saturday night I was given the privilege of giving the opening prayer at an event put on by Nebraska Educational Television: the Governor's Premier of the documentary about Nebraska born and bred astronaut Clay Anderson. I remember Clay from high school, mostly from band, as he was a three grades younger than I. His sister Lorie and I were friends.

After sharing a bit about Clay's parents, Jack and Alice, who have passed away, I offered a few introductory words and the prayer, which are printed below.

"As a call to prayer, I thought it might be fitting to remember Yuri Gagarin, the first human to see earth from the vantage of space. He's been credited with saying, 'I have been to the heavens, and there is no God.' But apparently those words are not on the verbatim of his space flight, and they are more likely to have originated with Nikita Khrushchev. What Yuri Gagarin did say to ground control is this. 'The earth is blue. ...How wonderful. It is amazing.'

"To me, that might be the most important reason for us to explore space. It's so we can hear the wonder in their voices, see their pictures, and vicariously live that experience through them. It's so we can be filled with awe at the little blue marble we live on. And whenever we're filled with awe, it awakens a sense of reverence and humility.

"So, filled with awe, reverence, and humility, as residents of the amazing blue marble, let's pray.

"Dear God, thank you that we get to explore the universe you have created. It takes our breath away to behold the wonder of the atom, the grandeur of a galaxy, the multitude of species, and the beauty of each and every person. Give us eyes to see ourselves as your children, sharing your gift of planet earth.

"We don't want to be like those in centuries past who shunned scientific knowledge, because it didn't fit what they'd been previously taught. Give us the grace and courage to study both scripture and creation, to know that all truth is your truth. May we cry out as David did 3000 years ago, 'The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands' (Psalm 19:1).

"Thank you for being with us tonight. Thank you for being with Clay during his trip to space and back. Thank you for showing us the way, the truth, and the life.

"We share this meal and this moment with grateful hearts, and we give thanks to you. We have been blessed so far beyond what we deserve.

"We may have a number of faiths represented here tonight, but as for me, I pray in the name of the one who said he came to seek and save the lost--and that includes me. I pray in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen."

Simon Peter restored

2009-04-11T01:01:00.000-05:00

Read John 21:15-25.

Observation: Compare vs. 15-19 with 18:15-18, 25-27. What is the connection between them?

Application: If Jesus calls you to "Feed my lambs," "Tend my sheep," and "Feed by sheep," what might that calling look like for you in the coming week?

Appearance to seven

2009-04-10T01:01:00.000-05:00

Read John 21:1-14.

Observation: List the times the writer gives very specific details. What does the abundance of fish (vs. 6, 8 and 11) tell us about Jesus?

Application: Do you assume the Lord is usually stingy or generous with you? How does your assumption affect the way you approach life?

Appearance to disciples

2009-04-09T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 20:19-31.

Observation: In this passage, what leads to belief? What does belief lead to? What kind of belief is most blessed?

Application: What difference will it make whether you have received the Holy Spirit as one who is sent by Jesus to continue his work?

Appearance to Mary

2009-04-08T01:01:00.002-05:00

Read John 20:1-18.

Observation: Based on what the passage says, what are the assumptions of Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and the other disciple? What were their expectations that morning?

Application: Twice in this passage Mary gives testimony to what she has witnessed. What have you witnessed? Who will you tell?

"It is finished"

2009-04-07T01:01:00.008-05:00

Read John 19:25-40.

Observation: What has Jesus finished (vs. 28 and 30)? Compare this to 4:34; 5:36; and 17:4. How is Jesus’ death a fulfillment of 12:23-24? How does he bear fruit?

Application: Pick one person in this passage and try to imagine the details of what he or she might have seen, heard, smelled or felt. What is your reaction?

Sentenced and crucified

2009-04-06T01:01:00.000-05:00

Read John 19:1-25a.

Observation: Underline or list all references to power, authority, office and title. How do these illustrate the irony of Jesus' sentence and crucifixion?

Application: If you were cast as an actor in a passion play as one of the characters in yesterday's or today's reading, which would be the most fitting for you? Why?

Denied and tried

2009-04-05T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 18:15-40.

Observation: After reading this passage, go back and read aloud or write down all the questions. What motivates each of these questions?

Application: Read these questions aloud meditatively and let yourself be addressed by them. Which question speaks to you most? How do you respond?

Jesus betrayed and arrested

2009-04-04T01:01:00.002-05:00

Read John 18:1-14.

Now we're leaving the extended meal time conversation and returning to "plot."

Observation: How does this passage relate to what Jesus said in 10:18? What is Jesus referring to in his question in v. 11?

Application: Read vs. 10-11 again and imagine yourself as Simon Peter. When have you done something that seemed right at the time, but later you learned that it was not best? How does Jesus' response to Peter help you?

That they may be one

2009-04-03T01:01:00.002-05:00

Read John 17:20-26.

This will be the shortest of the daily readings through John's gospel.

Observation: Who is Jesus praying for now? What does he pray for three times? Why is it repeated?

Application: What will help the world believe (vs. 21 and 23)? What does that have to do with you?

Jesus prays for his disciples

2009-04-02T01:01:00.002-05:00

Read John 17:1-19.

V. 3 had a profound impact on me when I was a teenager to help me discover that a Christian is one who has a relationship with God and with Jesus.

Observation: Based on this passage, what does Jesus want for his disciples? What is the relationship between word/truth and his disciples?

Application: What one piece of Jesus' prayer would you want him to pray over you right now?

Joy that cannot be taken

2009-04-01T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 16:16-33.

This is a continuation of the meal time conversation that began in chapter 13 and continues through the end of chapter 17. I believe John leaves out the institution of the Lord's Supper because he knows the other gospel writers have already covered it.

Observation: Search this passage for examples of contrast (for example "weep" and "rejoice"). How do they help you understand Jesus' message?

Application: What is one situation in your life where you need to rely on Jesus' words in v. 27?

When the Spirit of truth comes

2009-03-31T01:01:00.000-05:00

Read John 16:1-15.

Observation: What does Jesus promise will happen when the Advocate / Spirit of truth comes? What happens to the ruler/prince of this world?

Application: In what ways has the promise of v. 13 been true in your life? How is scripture tied to this promise?

The world hates you

2009-03-30T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 15:18-27.

Observation: What clues does Jesus give us in the passage about who "the world" is?

Application: How will you be persecuted if "you do not belong to the world" (v. 19) but belong to Jesus instead? When has fear of persecution kept you from talking about him (v. 27)?

To learn more about the persecution of Christians in the world today, go to http://www.persecution.com/.

The vine and the branches

2009-03-29T01:01:00.000-05:00

Read John 15:1-17.

I consider v. 16 a theme verse for my calling as a pastor.

Observation: Search this passage for examples of cause-and-effect relationships ("this results in that" or "if this, then that"). How many can you find?

Application: In v. 4 Jesus gives a command and his reasons for it. What are four ways you can obey his command in the next 24 hours? What pruning will be required?

Another Advocate: the Spirit

2009-03-28T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 14:15-31.

Today you are two-thirds of the way through John's gospel.

Observation: In v. 27 Jesus promises peace to his troubled disciples. What has Jesus already said in this passage that will help them experience that peace?

Application: When have you experienced the Holy Spirit as described in v. 26 (reminding you of what Jesus said)?

The way, the truth, and the life

2009-03-27T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 14:1-14.

This is more conversation the night before Jesus is to be crucified.

Observation: What reassurances does Jesus give his troubled disciples, who have just learned that he will soon leave?

Application: Vs. 8-11 tells us that we know the Father through the words and works of Jesus. What do you know of God through what Jesus said and did?

A new commandment

2009-03-26T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 13:21-38.

Observation: What do you find that makes this passage a turning point in the narrative?

Application: If in this passage to "glorify" means to "reveal the essence of," then how can we glorify God and Jesus?

He washed their feet

2009-03-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

Read John 13:1-20.

This gospel gives us events and conversation that took place the night of the Last Supper not found in the other three gospels. One of them is when Jesus washed his disciples' feet.

Observation: What reasons do you find for why Jesus washed his disciples' feet?

Application: In v. 15 Jesus tells his disciples to follow his example. What would be some equivalents of footwashing today?

They loved human glory

2009-03-24T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 12:27-50.

Whether you're keeping up or catching up with the reading and the questions, way to go!

Observation: What do you find that seems to say believing or not believing is a personal choice? What do you find that seems to say it's not a personal choice? How do you resolve this paradox?

Application: Considering vs. 42-43, when have you succumbed to the same thing? When have you risen above it?

Hosanna!

2009-03-23T01:01:00.002-05:00

Read John 12:1-26.

We'll look at this passage in worship at Horizons on Palm Sunday, April 5.

Observation: What evidence do you see of the intensity building in this passage?

Application: Imagine joining the shouting crowd with their palm branches. What is the nearest personal experience you've had that reminds you of this?

Lazarus, come out!

2009-03-22T14:44:00.000-05:00

Read John 11:28-57.

Sorry I didn't get this one posted earlier today.

Today you're starting the second half of John's gospel.

Observation: Underline all words that relate to death, die or kill. What paradox do you find, especially contrasting vs. 28-44 with vs. 45-57?

Application: After Martha's initial reluctance, in v. 41 they follow Jesus' instruction. When have you been initially reluctant to follow Jesus' instruction? What happened when you took that step of faith?

The resurrection and the life

2009-03-21T01:01:00.003-05:00

Read John 11:1-27.

Peek ahead and look at 12:3. It is referred to in 11:2.

Observation: What points of tension do you notice in this passage? Where are they coming from?

Application: Listen to Martha's disappointment in vs. 21, though it is combined with faith in vs. 22, 24 and 27. Is there a disappointment you need to bring to Jesus over a miracle you didn't get?

One with the Father

2009-03-20T01:01:00.002-05:00

Read John 10:22-42.

The Festival of Dedication (v. 22) that brings Jesus to Jerusalem is the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah.

Observation: In this passage, who does Jesus claim to be, and what does he claim to be able to do?

Application: How do you hear the voice of your shepherd? What have you done to follow him?

The Good Shepherd

2009-03-19T01:01:00.002-05:00

Read John 10:1-21.

You might want to read Psalm 23 today as well. Try reading it in a translation that you're not familiar with.

Observation: What contrasts does Jesus create in this passage, and why do you think he uses them?

Application: Based on this passage, what does Jesus want for you as one of his sheep?

Was blind, but now I see

2009-03-18T01:01:00.002-05:00

Read John 9:24-41.

It was verse 25 that inspired the line in John Newton's hymn, "Amazing Grace."

Observation: Underline everything said by the formerly blind man in this passage. What do you learn about him?

Application: How could this man's words be a model for you in sharing your faith experience with others?

Blind man sees

2009-03-17T01:01:00.000-05:00

Read John 9:1-23.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Observation: On a deeper level, who is blind and who really sees in this passage? What assumption prevents the "blind" from seeing?

Application: Jesus uses dirt and spit to make mud in this miracle. What unlikely things has he used in your life?

The truth will make you free

2009-03-16T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 8:31-59.

Congratulations, happy reader. You are now starting the third week of our six-week Lenten reading through John's gospel.

Observation: Underline or list all the references to Abraham in this passage. Why is he important in this discussion between Jesus and the Jewish leaders?

Application: What do you want to be free from by continuing in Jesus' word and knowing the truth (vs. 31-32)? What would that process look like for you?

The light of the world

2009-03-15T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 8:1-30.

Again, if you wish to read online, there's a wonderful service at BibleGateway.com.

My thanks to those who commented on last week's posts. Keep 'em comin'!

Observation: John 7:53 and 8:1-11 are not in the oldest manuscripts, but they may have been added by the original author. How is Jesus the light of the world in vs. 1-11?

Application: Based on v. 12 in what areas of your life does it seem you are walking in the light? Is there an area still shadowed by darkness?

A divided crowd

2009-03-14T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 7:32-52.

Observation: As mentioned in v. 2, this happens during the Festival of Tabernacles (or Booths) in which a priest pours out water on the altar as a gift to God. How does knowing this affect your reading of vs. 37-39?

Application: Why is Jesus such a divisive figure in this passage? How is he still devisive today?

Is this the Messiah?

2009-03-13T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 7:1-31.

Check previous posts to see if comments have been left that you haven't read.

Observation: What do you find throughout this passage concerning hour/time and death/kill? What questions does it raise for you?

Application: In vs. 19-23 Jesus explains why it is appropriate for him to heal on the Sabbath. How can you apply his admonition in v. 24 to a situation in your life?

Bread is my flesh

2009-03-12T01:01:00.000-05:00

Read John 6:41-71.

Vs. 66-68 is one of my favorite passages in John's gospel.

Observation: What are the various reactions to Jesus' words? What is your reaction?

Application: How does this passage deepen your understanding and apprecation of Holy Communion?

The bread of life

2009-03-11T01:01:00.000-05:00

Read John 6:1-40.

This is one of the longer chapters in John's gospel, and the theme of bread occurs throughout.

Observation: What do you observe in this passage about slowness to comprehend? What examples do you recall from previous chapters?

Application: "I am" in v. 35 compares to Yahweh, the Hebrew names for Israel's God. What is one way you can come to the "bread of life"? What difference will it make?

Testimony about Jesus

2009-03-10T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 5:25-47.

If you would like to try reading from a different translation, there are many to choose from at BibleGateway.com.

Observation: Note to whom Jesus is still speaking (see vs. 18-19). Who and what give testimony about Jesus?

Application: How do people's reasons for not believing in Jesus today compare to what he says in this passage about the resistance of the Jews (i.e., Jewish leaders)?

Sabbath healing

2009-03-09T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read John 5:1-24.

Most Bibles divide this chapter into three sections. Today's reading covers the first section and half of the second.

Observation: Put yourself in the place of the invalid man. What do you feel and experience throughout this passage?

Application: Note the repeated theme of doing and working. What do you notice God doing today that you want to do with him?

Fields ready for harvest

2009-03-08T01:01:00.001-06:00

Read John 4:27-54.

This passage continues yesterday's story in Samaria.

Observation: How does Jesus' teaching to his disciples in v. 34-38 tie in with what precedes it and what follows it?

Application: In v. 35 Jesus tells his disciples to look and see. What might Jesus be inviting you to see around you?

Living Water

2009-03-07T01:01:00.001-06:00

Read John 4:1-26.

To read online, go to BibleGateway.com.

My message on March 15 will be based on this passage.

Observation: Throughout the conversation, how does Jesus surprise the woman by what he says?

Application: What could you do so that your spiritual life resembles Jesus' offer in v. 13-14? What will be your first step?

Jesus and John the Baptist

2009-03-06T01:01:00.001-06:00

Read John 3:22-36.

To read online, go to BibleGateway.com.

Look at previous posts for comments from others. One was left on Tuesday. Check it out.

Observation: How does John handle what could be seen as an opportunity for competition between him and Jesus?

Application: What is one practical way v. 30 could be lived out in your life?

Born of the Spirit

2009-03-05T01:01:00.001-06:00

Read John 3:1-21

To read online, check out BibleGateway.com. Rather than give you several chapters to read each day, I'm suggesting just half a chapter. But I encourage you to read it more than once, because that's when we start seeing things we didn't see before.

Here are a couple of questions to guide you on your way. If you want to record your responses, please hit the "comments" link below. Thanks.

Observation: What contrasts and opposites do you find in this passage?

Application: Based on your experience, how has believing in Jesus and putting your faith in him been like being born into a new life?

Cleansing the Temple

2009-03-04T01:01:00.001-06:00

Read John 2:13-25

These daily readings will take us through John's gospel during Lent. To read online, go to BibleGateway.com.

Here are a couple of questions for reflection. To share your thoughts with others, hit the "comments" link.

Observation: What do you observe in this passage that points to why Jesus did what he did?

Application: If you allowed Jesus to do some radical cleaning in your life, where would he start?

Wine at a wedding

2009-03-03T01:01:00.001-06:00

Read John 2:1-12

(To read online, go to BibleGateway.com.)

Remember that if you share comments, it can be done anonymously!

Observation: Who benefits from this sign? ("Sign" is this gospel's word for miracle.)

Application: If someone spoke the words of v. 5 to you, what would it be about? How would you respond?

The Lamb of God

2009-03-02T01:01:00.001-06:00

Monday, March 2, 2009
Read John 1:29-51

(To read online, go to BibleGateway.com. Select your translation and type in the reference.)

Here are today's questions. To share your thoughts with everyone else, hit the "comments" link below and follow the directions.

Observation: What does it say each person in this passage believes about Jesus and why do they come to believe it?
Application: What could you do to point someone toward Jesus? Or what could you do to express appreciation to someone who has pointed you toward Jesus?

The Word became human

2009-02-27T09:41:00.007-06:00

Sunday, March 1, 2009
Read John 1:1-28.

(To read online, go to BibleGateway.com. Select your translation and type in the reference.)

I invite you to take a little time to consider these questions. To share your thoughts, hit the "comments" link below and follow the directions.

Observation: What does the writer tell you he believes about Jesus?

Application: What is one thing you will do to be more like John the Baptist (vs. 6-8, 15, 19-28)?

Reading & reflecting on John's gospel

2009-02-27T09:30:00.004-06:00

Starting Sunday I'll be posting a daily reading guide to lead you through John’s gospel during Lent. Each day you'll get a reading assignment (half a chapter) and a couple of questions for reflection. I invite you to hit the comment button and share your reflections with others, which can be done by name or anonymously.

Your comment will go to my inbox first. Once I approve (I'll check a few times a day), it goes up. And of course, the huge advantage of the blog is that we all benefit by reading the reflections of others.

See you Sunday. -st

Watch a movie for Martin

2009-01-19T12:37:00.004-06:00

I'd like to suggest an idea to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. on his Day, or maybe later this month. Rent the 2007 movie "The Great Debaters," staring Denzel Washington as the coach of the 1935 debate team for Wiley College, a Methodist black college in Marshall, Texas. It's based on the true story of a few students and their phenomenal success, while also demonstrating the racial bigotry, violence and fear of the times. Still, the story is inspiring and leaves you feeling hopeful. Tricia and I watched it earlier this month and recommend it highly.

Please comment if you've seen it. -Steve

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

2008-12-28T21:50:00.002-06:00

"Getting younger may be worse than getting older" could be the subtitle to this movie. Benjamin (Brad Pitt) was born with all the physical signs of old age in an infant-sized body. He grows, but analogous to the reverse-running clock that serves as the movie’s metaphor, he physically gets younger each day. Benjamin forms a lifelong bond with Daisy (Cate Blanchett) which becomes both beautiful and tragic.

Not everyone will want to watch a slow-paced, nearly three-hour movie with a somewhat predictable plot, but the individual performances and the script kept me engaged. Having only seen Pitt in movies such as “Ocean’s 11, 12, and 13” and “Mr. and Mr. Smith,” I was pleased to see how much range he has. I was previously impressed with Cate Blanchett in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, as well as in the latest “Indiana Jones” movie, and I found myself liking her even more in this film.

While this narrated epic tale has elicited comparisons to “Forrest Gump,” the similarity I found most obvious was in the mothers of the title characters. These two women were always proud of their sons and believed in them when others did not. And the episodic relationship of Benjamin and Daisy can’t help but make one think of Forrest and Jenny.

“Curious Case” helps us gain a new perspective on our culture’s craving to be and look younger. Benjamin's unstoppable march toward his youth becomes a curse rather than a blessing. It also magnifies Daisy's self-consciousness about aging. Given the plethora of age-defying products on the market, I'm sure many women can identify with Daisy's predicament. And so will many of us men.

The film’s portrayal of faith is worth commenting on. The sleazy faith-healer who commanded the young, but old-bodied Benjamin to rise up and walk (“like Lazarus from the grave”) clearly operated on the power of suggestion rather than the supernatural. The only act of God in this scene, as defined by Benjamin the narrator, was the faith-healer’s sudden death. In a world where life is not fair, this is seen as evidence of divine justice.

"Curious Case" deserves its PG-13 rating. There’s a scene of Benjamin visiting a brothel and more than one incident of adultery and unmarried sex, though not graphically portrayed. It shows the backside of a nude, senile, senior citizen raising the U.S. flag, and I remember one F-bomb.

While I enjoyed the movie, I asked myself if I’d like to watch it again soon. Probably not. I can’t imagine it becoming as popular as “Forrest Gump.” But it’s worth seeing at least once. Maybe twice.

Lord, I am listening

2008-12-23T14:51:00.003-06:00

I would like to share with you as a gift this Christmas the lyrics to a song I wrote last year. It is written as a prayer. You may find it helpful to use it in your prayer time. Some of you heard it at our banquet in November 2007. -st

LORD, I AM LISTENING

Chorus:
Lord, I am listening;
Holy Spirit, stir in me.
Lord, I am listening;
hushed, I wait for you to speak.

Verse 1:
Let me sense your whisper,
nudging, rustling in my soul.
Tune me to your prompting;
sift out any lesser goal.

Chorus:
Lord, I am listening;
Holy Spirit, stir in me.
Lord, I am listening;
hushed, I wait for you to speak.

Verse 2:
Plant your thoughts in my thoughts;
your will is my first desire.
Pour in me your passion
till your Word becomes a fire,
bursting from my heart.

Bridge:
Humbly, patiently,
Boldly, constantly,
Lord, I am listening to you.

Waiting hopefully,
Bravely, restlessly.
Lord, I need to hear from you.

Verse 3:
Silence my distractions;
show me an eternal view.
No more empty doing:
busy but not hearing you.

Final chorus:
Lord, I am listening.

Lord, I am listening.

Lord, I am listening.

Lord, I am listening.

A saint of a guy

2008-12-05T10:41:00.002-06:00

In the 4th century when Christ-followers first began to celebrate Advent, the whole idea of gift-giving wasn’t a part of it, except in giving to those in need.

One young man during this period was a leader of the church in his area. He was raised by godly parents, but when he was young his parents died in an epidemic. His parents had been wealthy business people, and they left him a large inheritance. He used his entire fortune to help others: the needy and the sick and the suffering.

When I celebrate Advent and Christmas, I want to take some steps to be more like that guy. And if someday I’m needy or sick or suffering, I’ll be thankful there are Christ-followers like him still around.

This particular man lived in a town on the southern coast of Turkey. His parents gave him the name Nikolaus. And though the Catholic Church never officially canonized him as a saint, he was regarded as a saint in the hearts of people. It’s no surprise that his name is still associated with Christmas today.

And contrary to the commercials you see on TV, he’s not in his workshop putting the finishing touches on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz to park in some lucky person’s driveway. That’s not how Nikolaus used his wealth.

Steve's TOP 10 list of little-known but obvious facts

2008-11-23T14:28:00.003-06:00

I can't say the list as any spiritually redeeming value, except that it was fun to think about. Here's my TOP 10 list of little-known but obvious facts.

10. Kids will call home when they need money.
9. A Saturday Husker football loss will cause a dip in Sunday church attendance.
8. Tiny drops of spaghetti sauce have been known to spontaneously leap more than 8 feet when there's a white shirt in the room.
7. Ninety percent of insomnia is caused by worry.
6. Ninety percent of insomnia can be cured by reading the Bible until morning.
5. Dogs are oblivious to Daylight Saving Time.
4. The term "World Wide Web" has one-third the syllables of its initials "www".
3. Lost items are always in the last place you look, because after you find them you stop looking.
2. When you yell at a toilet that's about to overflow, it never listens.
1. Ninety percent of global warming is indirectly caused by bean consumption.

For election day--and the days following

2008-11-04T08:43:00.003-06:00

This morning I read Psalm 146 and found a message for us on this election day and the days following, especially verse 3 which says, "Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save."

Whoever we elect to be our next president will not be our savior. Unfortunately, Americans seem to want a president who will miraculously and painlessly cure everything for us.

The Psalm also tells us about God's agenda, which includes helping the oppressed, the hungry, the imprisoned, the blind, the bowed down, the righteous, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.

Fulfilling God's agenda is the work of the church, and as Jesus' followers, it's what we hope for America. Here is Psalm 146 in Today's New International Version.

"Praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

"Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-- he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations."

Healing for the soul

2008-09-22T16:49:00.009-05:00

Tricia and I just came back from spending our economic stimulus check--thank you, President Bush and congress! Four couples spent nearly four days in South Carolina.

These people were dear friends of Tricia's in college, and I got to know them during seminary and occasional visits since then. Some of them we hadn't seen in more than 20 years. It was one of the most relaxing and healing experiences of my life.

There was no big agenda. The four guys did play 18 holes one day, and I proved once again that I can make even the worst of golfers feel better about their game. But playing amid the palmetto and pine trees was soothing, and finishing the last two holes adjacent to the shoreline was breathtaking.

Twice we walked along the ocean beach, something a Nebraska boy like me has done only a couple times before. Where we stayed, there were no cars, but we were given golf carts to drive around the little community. That was fun. Even though the setting was idyllic, I've been pondering about what made it so wonderful for all of us.

Because we have a history with this group, we were able to experience deep community very quickly. Christ-followers are called to bear one anothers' burdens, and we did some of that over the weekend. Everyone knew it was safe to be transparent.

And so much of our conversation was filled with laughter, remembering old stories, creating new ones. Our love for each other was evident.

The final night we prayed for each other, laying hands on each couple and praying for them and their kids (who were not with us). We shared holy communion well after midnight.

Even though all of them live far away from Lincoln, I know that any of one of them would come here to be with Tricia and me if we needed them. Community like that is healing for the soul.

I wish the same for you.

Semi-random thoughts on the Olympics

2008-08-20T09:54:00.002-05:00

It seems that the most televised woman in the 2008 Olympics has not been Nastia, Shawn, Misty, Kerri, or Dara. It’s Debbie--aka Michael Phelps’s mother.

Phelps’s nickname in Beijing is Superfish. His powerful dolphin kick propelled by his size 14 feet and near-perfect technique have made him the world’s most decorated athlete. And he seems like he’d be a lot of fun to go out and eat pizza with.

A nation that would send out a cuter girl to lip-sync for the singer cannot be trusted. In our country we’d give her six months of plastic surgery and after the Olympics make her the host of a reality TV show called, “America’s Got Extreme Makeover Idol Talent—with the Stars.”

How could it be that “the fastest man alive” is a guy named Bolt? God must’ve had fun with that one.

I wondered if there were any athletes from Muslim nations competing in the 2008 Games, or if they declined to participate in order to protest Israel, the U.S. presence in Iraq, or the skimpy “uniforms” worn by the women’s beach volleyball teams. So I looked it up and learned that there are 204 nations competing in the Olympics, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Maybe I’m a bit old fashioned, but I believe it would bring proper decorum and dignity to the Olympics to have all butt cheeks covered in all sports. But I’m not going to get crotchety about it.

When I see athletes from competing nations congratulating each other and comforting each other, it warms my heart and gives me hope.

I read where gymnast Jonathan Horton from Houston, TX said a prayer before he gave his all-or-nothing silver medal performance in the high bar. I wonder how much praying goes on during the Olympics.

And I wonder how many of the medals we’re seeing awarded will later be taken away because of performance enhancing drugs. And how many should be but will never be detected. Only God knows.

If 204 nations can come together for the games, what else can we accomplish? Human rights? Planet care? World peace? But lest we get lulled into thinking that the Olympics will usher in a new day of global utopia, remember that the 1936 Olympics were held in Berlin. Anti-semitic posters and “Jews not welcome here” signs were temporarily removed. And World War 2 was just around the corner.

Still, I love the Olympics, and it lets me know that most people of this world want more than anything to get along. Maybe if we all keep praying for that, someday . . . .

Dark Knight presses question on human nature

2008-07-30T20:20:00.003-05:00

Saturday night Tricia and I went to the 5:30 matinee of “The Dark Knight.” In its second weekend, we got the last two seats together that weren’t in the front row. “Knight” passed the $300 million mark in ten days--six days sooner than the previous record holder, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.”

Guess that’s good sign for the economy.

It surprised me how little opportunity for acting we get from Christian Bale as Batman. Christopher Nolan’s film develops other characters to a much greater degree, particularly, Heath Ledger’s Joker, who is frighteningly deranged and diabolical.

It’s the kind of show that keeps you wondering, What’s going on now? And you have to trust that sooner or later you’ll pick up most of the pieces--if not the first time, then the second time you see it. That may be what’s driving some of the box office numbers.

Plus it’s just a good escapist thrill.

But rather than send us to a utopian world, it magnifies the terror of our world. The joker doesn’t want to win. He just wants everyone to lose. His violence is senseless. And he believes that his brand of chaos and anarchy is deep within each one of us and will soon prevail.

“The Dark Knight” prompts us to ask again if people are basically good or evil. And like Nolan’s film, it seems to me that the Bible doesn’t have a completely one-sided answer.

Our scripture says that God’s original design for humanity was utterly and completely good, but we are badly corrupted. Fortunately, God’s grace is a force at work which keeps goodness alive in this world. Therefore, the original goodness isn’t totally lost in us. It can still be found.

And yet we are still warped by our self-serving delusions--by the sin within. God hopes to lead us to receive and live in his grace, made perfect in Jesus. God’s plan is to restore us to the original design--in this life and fully in the age to come.

He was humble and hurting--and that's why I liked him

2008-07-17T09:06:00.006-05:00

Sunday night Tricia and I attended the Steven Curtis Chapman concert in Fremont, Nebraska. I love his music, and some of his songs have been favorites at Horizons, including "Dive," "Live Out Loud," and "The Great Adventure."

We'd been planning to attend the concert for a few months, but when we learned in May that one of Chapman's daughters had just died in an accident, we wondered if it would be cancelled.

The Chapmans have five children: two teenage sons, and then three younger daughters adopted from China. The youngest, five-year-old Maria, had apparently wandered behind a vehicle while one of the sons was backing out of the driveway. The name of the son driving has never been released.

Throughout the concert, Chapman did not hide his grief. As matter of fact, he talked about Maria and their grief between almost every song. He shared that her death has made him ask if he can still sing these songs. What he found, through this test of faith, is that he has to sing them differently now. Interestingly, Chapman's two sons played in the band, one as a guitarist and one as the drummer.

I appreciated that Chapman was so transparent and humble. He knows there's a lot about life and God he doesn't understand, but he clings to the God he does know through Jesus Christ.

He grieves but with hope. And that's why he can still sing.

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13, TNIV).

The effect of a good father

2008-06-14T10:52:00.004-05:00

In honor of Father's Day, I'm passing on this link from Fathers.com to some of their research on the importance of having an involved, caring father in a child's life. This doesn't mean that a kid is doomed without a dad (or a mom), but having a loving father can be huge in helping us grow up well. Check it out. I think you'll find it fascinated. I did.

One of those nights

2008-05-23T08:04:00.003-05:00

Before I went to bed last night I was working on the series that will start July 6 based on Nehemiah, and I got really excited about it. So much so that when Tricia and I turned out the lights, ideas were still popping into my head. It took only a few minutes in bed to realize that any attempt to sleep at that moment would be futile.

So I got up and let the ideas flow until they were exhausted. It was quite late when I finally went back to bed, but just after I had fallen asleep the thunderstorm passed through Lincoln. And if the rumble of the thunder wasn't enough, there's a rain gutter and downspout just outside our bedroom window, and when trash from our cotton wood tree plugs it up, the water backs up, spills over and pours down on top of the piece of aluminum tubing meant to carry the water out into the yard. And it is loud!

And it made me mad! I had just recently cleaned out that gutter and downspout! It shouldn't be plugged up. The water should be flowing freely. And I should be sleeping, but I'm not--which made me more upset. I could tell that I wasn't going to sleep for a while now.

I ended up moving down to the couch in the family room to spend what little of the night was left and eventually fell asleep.

It's funny being human, isn't it? A mixture of inspiration and frustration, insomnia and sleep. May God bless and keep us through it all.

The squirrel and the bird

2008-05-08T20:30:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I saw a squirrel scurry up a tree in our backyard, and then I noticed a blackbird land on the same tree. The squirrel quickly made its way back down the trunk and froze a couple feet from the ground. I didn’t know why the squirrel stopped, but it seemed to be alert to danger.

After a minute the squirrel darted through the yard, and the blackbird flew after it, repeatedly swooping down upon it like a dive bomber. The squirrel turned and dashed toward the back fence, and as it climbed to the top, the blackbird made another flying lunge. Then the two disappeared over the fence.

It surprised me to see these two species relating to each other for any reason. I wondered, Had the squirrel disrupted the blackbird’s nest? Did this blackbird get its kicks from bullying bushytailed rodents? Were they playing a game of tag? Or was there some simple misunderstanding between them? I had no idea.

But it made me think of something else that happened earlier that day as I was leaving a lunch appointment. I got “flipped off” by another driver. I hadn’t gotten “the finger” in a long time. Here’s what happened. (Really, officer.)

The light was green, and I was pulling into the intersection to make a left turn. A car coming from the opposite direction was in the right lane with its right turn signal on. I figured the other car was in a position to turn before I could, and I would follow, each of us turning into our respective lanes.

I started to make my turn, but the other driver didn’t turn. Instead, she sped straight ahead through the intersection. I was never close to hitting her, but I did stop short, and she reacted with a slight swerve. That’s when she looked directly at me and gave me the not-so-subtle gesture. I read the same message from her lips. I felt like the squirrel, hit by the bird.

Apparently she had been signaling a lane change instead of a turn. And then she accelerated to beat the yellow light. When she offered me the sign, I have to say it kinda made me laugh. Then I thought, How sad that this is her immediate response. Of course, in her mind I was a total jerk and deserved it.

I could have returned the gesture, or laid on my horn. I could have been steamed about it the rest of the day, but I refuse to give her that kind of power in my life.

How much better to laugh about it and follow this advice: “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it” (1 Peter 3:9, New Living Translation).

I’m not sure how I could have returned a blessing to her. Maybe we need a “bless you” finger.

Who's your hero? That depends

2008-04-18T15:14:00.003-05:00

Our values determine our heroes. What we believe determines who we look up to. If you value savvy investing, then Warren Buffet might be your hero. If getting wasted on tequila ranks high on your list of values, then Jimmy Buffet might be your hero.

About 50 years ago a couple of missionaries, Don and Carol Richardson, went to live with the Sawi tribe in Western New Guinea, Indonesia. The Sawis were cannibalistic headhunters, so it was a dangerous situation, not to mention the malaria, dysentery and hepatitis. The Sawi language was extremely complex, but over time and with much study, they learned to speak and understand it.

Then Don Richardson began to tell them about Jesus. But the Sawi people viewed Judas, who betrayed Jesus, as the hero of the story. Jesus was the poor guy who got duped. The Sawi put a high value on deceit and treachery, and so it was perfectly natural for them to see Judas as their champion.

Fortunately that’s not the end of the story. After a while, the Richardsons encountered the Sawi custom of the peace child, where in order to stop warfare between rival villages, they would exchange a young child between villages, literally giving their son to an enemy. That was just what Richardson needed. Jesus, he explained to them, was God’s peace child. A number of the Sawi became believers in Jesus.

So who’s the hero of the gospel, Judas or Jesus? It depends on what you value.

Baby steps to the Bible

2008-03-28T14:47:00.007-05:00

Horizons held its first ever Cross-Generation Celebration on March 30, focusing on how the Bible is our light. But maybe for you, when it comes to reading the Bible, the lights are on but nobody's home. If that's the case, let me share some baby steps to get started.

An easy way for adults to get their toes wet in the Word is to join a HOME group at Horizons. A HOME group isn't really a Bible study, but the discussion focuses on how we can apply a certain passage or topic from scripture to our daily lives. This is how a lot of people at Horizons have started getting acquainted with the Bible for the first time in their lives.

Another way to get into a regular routine of reading some scripture is to go to the Upper Room daily devotional. At the top of the page is a link to the scripture for the day. You can also subscribe to have the devotional emailed to you, or you can have booklets sent in the mail bi-monthly.

There are several Bible reading plans available online. If you're not reading the Bible regularly right now, here's one that's not too intimidating. It's from Discipleship Journal called the 5 x 5 x 5 Bible Reading Plan, which means reading five minutes a day, five days a week, and it takes you through the New Testament in a year. I especially like the five simple ways to go deeper.

If you're a little more ambitious, here's a link to a one-year Bible reading plan . It gives you four short passages to look up and read each day, 25 days a month. By not scheduling every day, it provides some days off or days for catching up.

Hit the comment button and let us know if you're thinking about trying one of these options. We'd love to hear from you.

Listening to the song above me

2008-03-20T14:29:00.003-05:00

This morning I arrived at the church campus at 6:30 to set up the Maundy Thursday silent come-and-go communion that would start at 7 a.m. It was still dark, and the moon was hanging low and yellowish above the western horizon.

At 7 a.m. I was still the only one in the building, and I began praying the prayers and reading the scriptures in the communion service. Just as I did, I heard a meadowlark singing a serenade above me. Perched at the peak of the roof above the worship center, its call was loud, clear and bold.

Many of you know that I've adopted the song of the meadowlark as a sign of God's presence and affirmation. To me it's a little way God encourages me, saying, "I'm with you. I haven't left. We're still in this together."

So as I prayed and read and meditated, the song kept repeating this reassuring message. I am reluctant to admit that today the meadowlark's message was more powerful to me than the sacrament of communion. Or maybe I could say that the two melded together to bring me into the presence of Christ.

My message for Easter Sunday has been inspired partially by Flora Slosson Wuellner's book, Feed My Shepherds, and in it she says, "Our growing closeness with God was never intended to be a burden or one more task added to all the other tasks. Personal relationship with God was meant to remove the sense of burden and to infuse all tasks with new vitality."

That's just what the meadowlark said.

Was it unfair of God to harden Pharaoh's heart?

2008-03-07T14:02:00.002-06:00

We've been going through the first 15 chapters of Exodus on Sunday mornings at Horizons, and in the section on the plagues, sometimes it says that Pharaoh hardened his heart, and other times that the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart. Apparently both of them had a hand in adding to Pharaoh's obstinate attitude, but for God to do it smacks against the whole idea of human free-will.

Pharaoh promised to release the Israelites a few times during the plagues, but once the immediate crisis was over, his moral arteries calcified again. Pharaoh couldn't stand to be pushed into making a decision; it undercut his authority. So while the plagues engendered faith among the Israelites , they brought out stubbornness in Pharaoh.

It reminds me of a saying I heard once. "The same sun that softens butter also hardens clay." The sun is the same. But what the sun causes depends on the thing it shines on.

God’s miracles in Egypt softened some hearts and hardened others.

New twist on presidential debate

2008-02-07T17:08:00.000-06:00

Last week one night I was fighting a fever and the flu, so I turned on the TV and caught the tail end of the Republican presidential debate. It was pretty much over except the closing statements. So I flipped the channels and found a new show, “Moment of Truth,” where contestants have to answer very personal, potentially incriminating questions hooked up to a lie detector. And then a computerized voice gives the verdict, “That answer is . . . true.” Or false.

I felt bad for the young woman on the show. But she kept winning money.

And then I thought, “Why couldn’t they combine the two programs, the presidential debate and “Moment of Truth”? Hook the candidates up to lie detectors and ask them political questions. Too much spin about your opponent’s position and you get “That answer is . . . false.”

I dunno. I know it’ll never happen. It just sounded like a good idea at the time.

What have you learned this year?

2007-12-05T09:03:00.000-06:00

The Sunday after Christmas my message will be on what I've learned this year, but it won't be about just me. I need to hear what you've learned this year (it doesn't matter if you attend Horizons or not).

Of course, that will mean pausing for reflection, which few of us take time to do. But I'm guessing that once you start writing, something will come to you. It may be something new you learned, or it may be a deeper awareness and appreciation of something you already knew. So hit the comment button and let us know what you've learned and how it came to you. Plus I think it will be fun to read them all.

I write a debrief every month for our church's Steering Team, and one of the categories is "Lessons Learned." There's something about writing it down that makes it stick. For example, after completing my four-week sabbatical for study and planning last summer, my lesson learned was "You can't do visioning at 90 miles an hour." The point was that by taking time to slow down, I began to experience God guiding me in a fresh way about the church's future.

My mistakes are often my biggest teachers. What have you learned this year? What has God been teaching you?

Free clinic has heart

2007-10-27T17:46:00.000-05:00

Another great mission in Lincoln is Clinic with a Heart , which is free for all on certain Tuesday nights. It’s especially for the 25,000 people in Lincoln who don’t have insurance and others who can’t afford rising co-pays or large deductibles. You get to see a health professional and sometimes receive free medicine.

In May of 2003 members of St. Mark’s United Methodist opened the doors of the Clinic with a Heart on the first Tuesday of every month for primary care. Since then it’s been expanded to chiropractic and physical therapy on the second Tuesday of the month. Southwood Lutheran got involved and now they’re sponsoring primary care on the third Tuesday of the month. Dental screenings are also available on first and third Tuesdays.

On their web site is a long list of the kinds of volunteers they need, even some you wouldn’t expect, everything from dieticians to MDs, from marriage counselors to interpreters for 14 different languages, from clerical help to administration.

If you're a volunteer at Clinic with a Heart, please comment and let us know more about it.

Foodnet: tummy fill not landfill

2007-10-20T15:17:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of a local, non-profit, volunteer-run effort called Footnet, Inc. They've been around Lincoln for over 20 years saving good food from being taken to the landfill that's still edible and delicious but can no longer be sold in the grocery store, restaurant, bakery or deli.

They have 26 locations in or near Lincoln where anyone can pick up stuff; most sites are churches. And when you get there, you never know what they'll have, because it all depends on what the stores give them.

If you've ever gotten food from Foodnet or ever volunteered at Foodnet, I'd love to get your comment. Tell us more. Or maybe you work at a business that donates food to Foodnet. We'd like to hear about it from your point of view, as well.

Senator Chambers sues God for violent weather

2007-09-18T15:45:00.000-05:00

Senator Ernie Chambers filed a suit against God in Douglas County District Court last week for rhetorical reasons—to make a point about another lawsuit he considers inappropriate.

According to the article in the Lincoln Journal Star, Chambers says that “God has made terroristic threats against the senator and his constituents, inspired fear and caused ‘widespread death, destruction and terrorization of millions upon millions of the Earth’s inhabitants.’” He charges that God is guilty of “fearsome floods ... horrendous hurricanes, terrifying tornadoes.”

The Bible certainly makes claims of God’s management of the weather. The Psalmist sings of God’s weather-controlling power. “He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. He hurls down hail like crumbs—who can stand before his cold? He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow” (Psalm 147:16-18, NRSV).

But I’m not sure what to make of this passage. Does it mean that God directs every drop and degree, or is it a poetic description of a God who normally allows His design to take its natural course? I’m guessing the latter.

Of course, God certainly can dictate the weather any time he chooses. Examples can be found in scripture of God appointing events such as hailstorms and droughts.

As I type this Tuesday afternoon, I can hear the rain hit the roof above me, creating a roar that builds and subsides. Sun and rain are blessings, usually. Jesus talked about how God blesses both evil and good people. “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45, NRSV).

So, today I will thank God for the rain, but I won’t blame Him if there’s a flood.

I will pray for rain during a drought, but not blame God when it hasn’t rained in months (though I might complain that he hasn’t yet answered my prayer for rain!).

That’s the paradox of faith. We believe that God is good, even when the weather is violent. Even when our circumstances turn disastrous, we trust that God is trustworthy.

Some want to know if the tsunami that hit Southeast Asia was a judgment from God. Was Katrina a divine punishment for the Big Easy’s immorality? I doubt it, and here’s why.

If it had been punishment from God, He would have raised up a prophet to warn the people to repent, so they could avoid the disaster. “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7, NRSV).

But there was no prophet. So I’m left to assume that these natural disasters just happened. They’re part of life in this beautiful but imperfect planet.

Senator Chambers seeks a permanent injunction against God. As for me, I’m going to follow the example of the prophet Habakkuk.

“Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines, though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17-18, NRSV).

Keillor on canoeing, Karl Rove and saying howdy in church

2007-08-20T13:45:00.000-05:00

I read a column in Sunday’s paper by Garrison Keillor mostly about canoeing and Karl Rove. If you decide to dig it out of your recycling, you’ll find it in the Opinion section.

Anyway, in the middle of his column, he touches on the topic of my May 25 posting. So, I’m using Keillor as ammunition for my opinion that churches will be more hospitable to their guests if the guests are not told to stand up and greet strangers around them. Here’s Keillor’s observation.

“There are basically two types of Americans and the first is the type most of the world considers typical: the Americans who when the big smiley preacher stands in the pulpit and says, “How about everybody turn around and shake hands with the person behind you and give them a big howdy!” they all turn around and shake and say howdy and feel uplifted by this. And then there are the Americans who would do anything to avoid this, including staying away from church entirely.” “There are more of the second type than the first.”

I agree. But most of the second types, when they do show up at a church, still appreciate being genuinely welcomed by a few individuals who take time to visit with them. That’s the job of the first types, before and after worship.

Local Justice

2007-08-18T14:55:00.000-05:00

This week I got to meet Larry Williams, executive director of the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights. Check out the link and some of the items listed, especially their 2006 annual report. Every month the commission produces a new TV program that you will see occasionally on cable channel 5, so if you're flipping through and see it, take a few minutes. I promise you'll learn something.

Did you know that 112 cases were filed last year by the commission? That 72 dealt with employment discrimination, that 32 dealt with housing discrimination, and that eight dealt with public accommodation? Neither did I. And every one of them has an intensely personal (but confidential) story to it. I was impressed with the work they do.

While last Sunday we looked at justice from a global point of view, tomorrow (August 19) our focus will be intensely local. And we'll keep listening to "A Voice That Cannot Be Silenced," and the word that God gave an ancient prophet named Amos.

Just one thing

2007-08-11T11:40:00.000-05:00

Sunday, August 12, as part of our series based on the prophet Amos, “A Voice That Cannot Be Silenced,” I will challenge the people at Horizons to begin by doing just one thing to become a more globally aware person.

Here are ten possibilities, so you can find one that stirs your passion. Don't try to do everything--that's not sustainable. Just start with one. And then see where that one thing leads you. You’ll be on your way to becoming more a globally aware person.

Watch the 55-minute film “China Blue” on Google video. There’s a study guide available.

Shop at Ten Thousand Villages. You can even volunteer there.
Haymarket 140 N. 8th Street, Suite 125
Lincoln, NE 68508
email: villageslincoln@alltel.net
phone: (402) 475-4122

Learn about the Clean Clothes Campaign and read their current newsletter, which includes an interview with “China Blue” producer/director Micha Peled.

The stated mission for Sweatshop Watch is “Empowering Workers. Informing Consumers.” What I found particularly helpful was a shopping guide of goods made under fair labor conditions.

You may not agree with everything Coop America does, but I appreciated their list of companies and the information provided.

Sponsor a child at the Pratheeksha Orphanage in India by participating in Project Hope at Horizons. Right now, we have four children waiting to be sponsored, at a cost of $35 per month. Sister Jessy, the founder and director of the orphanage, plans to visit us again at Horizons on October 28, and you'll get to meet her. Once you sponsor a child, you may correspond with her or him to learn more about life in India. To sponsor a child, contact Kay Holt.

Look into the hunger-relief advocacy organization Bread for the World.

United Methodists have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Heifer Project International. The Living Gifts program provides livestock for people in the U.S. and around the world who agree to pass on the firstborn female offspring to another neighbor in need.

The United Methodists have recently produced an adult study guide (which I haven’t seen yet) called Globalization and Its Impact on People’s Lives. The youth version is called The Big G.

I’m becoming a fan of alleviating poverty and increasing dignity through micro-credit loan programs. This is a link to one United Methodists provide for women in the African country of Senegal.

A child will lead them

2007-08-02T16:35:00.000-05:00

God knows that one of the entrances he has into a parent’s heart is through their love for their kids.

A few centuries before Jesus was born, God told the prophet Malachi, “See I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction” (Malachi 4:5-6).

And that’s how the Old Testament ends, words of hope and warning. That’s it. And this Elijah figure, when he comes, will either turn and hearts of parents to their kids and the hearts of kids to their parents, or else the whole nation implodes. If hearts are not turned, society falls apart.

And so the New Testament records that before Jesus came John, “in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17).

So often I see parents who haven’t been part of a church in a long time or never have been, and they come with their kids. They bring their infants for baptism or blessing. They bring their four-year-old to experience Sunday school. They want to provide their pre-teen with good set of peers. They hope their middle and high school kids will gain a strong moral compass.

Over and over I’ve heard the story. “We came here for our kids, but then we began to experience God for ourselves. We were drawn to Jesus. We found faith blossoming inside us, and now we are growing in that walk with Christ and living in fellowship with others on the journey.”

It reminds me of a line from another prophet, “…and a little child will lead them” (Isaiah 11:6).

Initiating a difficult conversation

2007-07-03T09:12:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been thinking about confrontation. Obviously to confront someone is different from just having a talk. It's when someone says to you, "We need to talk."

It's about initiating a difficult conversation. It's about bringing up a topic that you worry may be received with resistance--maybe even anger. Or the one confronted may feel hurt or rejected. (Count this blog as an exploration into my upcoming July 22 Sunday message.)

It seems there are two unhealthy approaches to confrontation that most of us seem to fall into: attack or avoid. One is motivated more by hostility, the other more by fear.

When it comes to confrontation, I look back and know that I've done both some attacking and some avoiding, but I'm guessing that most of us do more avoiding. I know I've created a lot of problems for myself and others by avoiding needed but difficult communication. I pray for courage.

Recently I was planning to initiate a confrontation in a situation where the safety of many people was at stake. However, circumstances changed enough that this difficult conversation became unnecessary. I confess I was relieved.

Healthy confrontation is not easy. I'm still learning. But it seems that it goes back to the instruction in scripture to "speak the truth in love." It's a balance that requires wisdom. "Lord, help me."

Is “Evan Almighty” worth my $8 and 2 hours?

2007-06-28T09:25:00.000-05:00

No, I haven’t seen the movie, which was released last Friday. Lincoln Journal Star reviewer Kent Wolgamott panned it with a one-star rating. For him the humor just didn’t work. Only one out of four reviewers at http://www.rottentomatoes.com/ could recommend it, with the consensus that it’s “big on special effects but short on laughs.”

In this film God tells Evan to build an ark like Noah did, and Evan’s hair and beard start growing rapidly, ala Tim Allen in “The Santa Clause.” Apparently “Evan” lifts up an environment-friendly theme and promotes Acts of Random Kindness, or ARK.

Most Christian reviewers I checked tended to review “Evan Almighty” a little more kindly, because of its spiritual elements and because it’s not as offensive as most Hollywood movies. It has some value for “family” entertainment. However, a few theological objections were raised.

Though I sometimes enjoy Steve Carell as a comedic actor, this movie sounds like the kind of cheap-gag comedy I wouldn’t find that appealing, so I’m probably going to wait until it comes out on DVD, if I see it at all. But, hey, if you like it, make your case. You might talk me into it. Either way, if you see the movie, hit the comment button and let us know your take on it.

P.S. Go to ChristianityTodayMovies.com for a review with links to other Christian reviews. My favorite Christian reviewer, Jeffrey Overstreet, so far hasn’t posted anything for “Evan Almighty.”

what I look forward to and dread about this week

2007-06-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's required. Every year I have to go, even though I'm not a big fan. From 10:30 this morning (Wednesday) until 1 p.m. Saturday, I'll be spending most of my waking hours at the Cornhusker Hotel and St. Paul United Methodist attending Annual Conference--or more specifically the session of the Nebraska Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Actually, I don't dread it as much as I used to, because I get to hang out with some of my colleage-buddies I don't get to see all year. I also like some of the changes being introduced the last couple of years, which raises my toleration level. Still, much of the proceedings are intensely mundane--but that's good for me; it builds character.

Over the last few conferences, more educational sessions have been added. Hopefully, I'll come away with a few more ideas and a little more inspiration. And over the years, some of the worship times have become dear to my heart, such as tonight's memorial service and Friday evening's ordination service.

Every four years we elect delegates to General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference, and this is one of those years. Nothing exposes our theological differences like these elections, and the dividing issue is the question of homosexuality.

Currently General Conference affirms that those with homosexual orientation, like everyone else, are of sacred worth. But it also has maintained an official UM policy that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, forbidding the ordination and appointment of self-avowed, practicing homosexual pastors, and forbidding homosexual union services be held on United Methodist premises or conducted by United Methodist clergy.

Some would like to be elected to General Conference in order to vote to change one or more of those policies. Obviously, others would vote to retain them.

In 1995 I was elected first alternate to the 1996 General Conference and delegate to Jurisdictional Conference (where the main business is electing bishops). Four years later I was elected an alternate to Jurisdictional Conference but ended up not going because I broke my leg the week before.

This year I'm not seeking election.

Some of you probably know where I come from on the question of homosexuality, but I'm not going to talk about it in this blog. Expect a sermon from me about it as part of a series on controversial issues, maybe in January.

However, if you would like to express your viewpoint, please hit the comment button. Thanks.

Less is sometimes more when it comes to hospitality

2007-05-25T14:15:00.000-05:00

The other day a young couple talked to me about their experience as newcomers to Horizons. One of the things they loved was that we did not ask everyone to stand up and greet those around them. When that moment comes in churches they've been to, they cringe. It seems so artificial. They hate having that expectation put on them to exchange meaningless pleasantries with people who may or may not talk to them later.

It's been a few years since we stopped doing the "stand up and greet those around you" gig. There was a great deal of complaining from the Horizons' regulars, because we really enjoy this time. We like having the excuse to give a warm welcome to people we don't know, especially to newcomers. But we stuck to our guns and let it drop, because our guests dreaded it.

The only benefit to stand-and-greet time was that it made us feel more welcoming.

We've even dialed down the enthusiasm of our greeters at the door. We used to have too many hand-shakers lined up. It got so bad that even some of our regular worshipers at Horizons began looking for alternate entrances into the building so they could avoid the phalanx of smiling greeters.

People seem to appreciate it a lot more now when a member of our Host Team simply opens the door for them into the building, when a lanyard-wearing person asks if they can guide them to the children's classes or nursery, when a sincere individual sees them in the worship center before the service and sits down to meet them and get to know them for a few minutes.

What's better than just being genuine?

Back on the saddle again

2007-05-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

I saw in the paper today that tomorrow is National Bike to Work Day, and this is National Bike to Work Week, and May is National Bike to Work Month. Okay, okay, I get the hint. (Here's a link to the article.)

It was a bit chilly when I started out this morning, but with the jacket I was fine. The only thing that was cold when I arrived at the office was my ears.

I biked to the gym Monday--beautiful day but a little breezy.

I'm not much of a recreational cyclist. For me it's more about having a healthy alternative to driving my car, especially with gas prices over $3.

What to say about Virginia Tech

2007-04-20T09:47:00.000-05:00

The shooting on the Virginia Tech campus has been filling the news media all week. I've been wanting to write something, but didn't know what to say except that I'm so sad. I'm also angry that someone can so maliciously (and apparently insanely) take away so many other lives.

Sometimes we get angry at God because of the evil and suffering He allows to go on in the world. I won't try to talk you out of that anger, but I hope in time you come to experience God's comfort and reassurance--many have found just that in their worst moments of grief.

I believe that Jesus came to inaugurate God's kingdom, a vision of life the way God wants it, where adults prevent middle school kids from bullying their peers, where no one is laughed at because of their accent, where affluence is not flaunted in the faces of others, where people suffering from mental illness are not shuffled off and forgotten. God's kingdom doesn't produce mass murderers.

I've also thought about how life in Baghdad is like Blacksburg nearly everyday, and what this must be like for the people who live there and want to raise their families and go to school and work. People are terrorized by roadside bombs and suicide bombers, all for the cause of gaining control. May God's kingdom come quickly.

If you have thoughts or questions, please comment.

Thinking about an apparent contradiction in the Bible

2007-04-04T15:42:00.000-05:00

I want to retract something I said in my sermon Sunday, March 25. When does a preacher ever do that? Maybe we should do it more often. I suggested an approximate time of 11 a.m. when the crowd first gathered before Governor Pilate. I based this on John’s gospel which says that around the sixth hour of the day, which we understand to be noon, they were calling for Jesus to be crucified. But there’s a problem with that chronology. I wasn’t paying attention to Mark’s gospel which says that on the third hour of the day, or 9 a.m., Jesus was already on the cross.

As scholars like to say, this is a problematic passage, and it’s hard to harmonize the two gospels on this point. So what do we do? Here are four possibilities.

First, some suggest that John was using Roman time instead of Jewish time, and the Romans (at least in legal matters) began counting the hours at midnight like we do, so that would put the sixth hour at 6 a.m. when the crowd called for Jesus to be crucified. If that’s the case, there’s no difficulty in the timeline that he was crucified by 9 o’clock. It’s a plausible theory, but the problem is that John seems to follow a Jewish clock during the rest of his gospel. Why would he switch to Roman time now?

Second, I’ve heard it suggested that perhaps John is using the number, the “sixth” hour, symbolically rather than chronologically. For example, we describe something as an “eleventh hour” event, not because it happened at an hour before midnight, but because it came in just before a deadline. We cannot know with certainty what the sixth hour would symbolize, but it could represent humanity, created on the sixth day in Genesis 1. In that case, it could mean that calling for Jesus to be crucified is evil humanity’s hour (remember 666 in Revelation?). However interesting this theory might be, it is based on a great deal of speculation.

Third, it has been noted that the terms “third hour” or “sixth hour” were used without the exactness today’s western clock-watchers assume. Jesus could have been crucified between 9 a.m. and noon, but the time is described differently by the two writers. It would be a mistake to force our understanding of time on to the biblical text.

Finally, others say that the discrepancy of whether Jesus was crucified around 9 a.m. or a little after 12 noon is a small detail that plays no bearing on the fact that Jesus was crucified that day, so we shouldn’t worry about it.

Personally, I’m not sure what to think, and the only thing I can definitively say is that I don’t know. Someday in heaven, maybe God will explain it to me. But for now I’m not sure how to harmonize the two timelines or if I should even try.

But I don’t want you to think that this means the four gospels are constantly contradicting each other. Are there other problematic passages? Sure. But while the four gospels tell the same passion story with minor differences, they agree on the basics of what happened. For example, in each of the four gospels you will find the following events.

Jesus is taken by the Jewish leaders to Governor Pilate. The crowd demands Jesus’ death, which Pilate concedes to. Soldiers gamble for his clothes. He’s crucified between two others. The charge listed at the top of his cross is “King of the Jews.” He’s insulted while he suffers on the cross. Dark clouds hang over the land from noon to three. Some women among his followers are watching. After he dies, Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross, wrapped and buried before sundown by Joseph of Arimathea.

May you be blessed as you ponder our Lord's passion this weekend. I hope you will find a place to worship on Resurrection Morning.

"I love you so much, I'm sending someone else" ??

2007-03-14T13:57:00.000-05:00

Maybe you've been puzzled by questions like, "If God loved the world so much, why didn't God go to the cross? Why was God's Son drafted to endure all the pain and humiliation?"

One of my favorite theologians, N.T. Wright, expresses the answer so clearly. "The death of God's son can only reveal God's love if the son is the personal expression of God himself. It will hardly do to say, 'I love you so much that I'm going to send someone else.' " (Check out Romans 5:6-10.)

God did not send someone else. Jesus is the embodiment of the Father's love. Jesus' death is God's self-sacrifice.

If I offer my son or daughter to die in order to save your life, you would have reason to think me a coward for not offering my own life instead. But Jesus was not that kind of son. Jesus was the appearance of Israel's God Yahweh in person to save us when we could not save ourselves.

When you think of it like that, "For God so loved the world..." makes a lot more sense.

My most difficult prayer

2007-03-01T14:42:00.000-06:00

I came across an article recently in which readers shared the most difficult prayer they've ever prayed. One wife wrote and said that though she's been able to forgive her husband, her most difficult prayer is asking God for the grace to forgive the "other woman," someone who had pretended to be her friend. She hasn't found the grace yet, but she's asking for it.

Others wrote of praying for God's will instead of clinging to their own dreams, praying to be content as a single person, praying that God will use a child's health issue for good, asking God to allow difficult times to draw a rebellious teenager back to faith.

I'm considering sharing a couple of these stories in Sunday's sermon, but I also want to toss it out to you. What has been your most difficult prayer to pray?

This Sunday we'll be listening to Jesus' most difficult prayer, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup [of suffering] be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39).

If you comment and share with us, your most difficult prayer, I will assume permission to share it in Sunday's sermon, though without your name. I may not get any takers on this one; that's okay. But if you have one to share, please accept my sincere appreciation.

Watching "Idol"

2007-02-23T15:42:00.000-06:00

Before this season I've never done more than casually watch a few episodes of America's top TV show. But this season, Tricia and I watched it a little more often--though I had to miss it both times this week.

I'm going to talk about "American Idol" more in future posts, but for now I want you to think of some of your favorite artists who would've never made it on "Idol." For example, Bob Dylan wouldn't have made the first cut. He would've been "terrible." Simon would have have rolled his eyes and made a snide comment. Paula would have tried to nicely tell him to find some other dream besides music. Randy would have said, "I'm sorry, man."

So, hit the comment button and let me know one of your favorite singers who would have never made it on "Idol."

The score is 52 - 6

2007-02-21T12:26:00.000-06:00

Looks like it could be the score of a lopsided football game, but it's not.

Over the weekend Tricia and I purchased for the first time a package of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They're supposed to last five years and use a fraction of the electricity, thereby saving the environment from the ill effects of creating energy, while saving us money.

We were surpised that the light they emit is not stark white. I guess they've improved them in the last few years.

It seemed that the cheapest way to buy them was in a package of six for less than ten bucks. We put three in ceiling light in the kitchen, one in the hood above our stove, and one in each of two lamps in our family room.

According to an article in the paper a few weeks ago, for a light that you use a lot, switching to a CFL could save you $60 a year. In Australia they're considering phasing out the incandesent for environmental reasons.

Back to the score. Fifty-two is the number of incandescent bulbs we still have in the house. Six is the number of CFLs. My wife loves lamps. But I can see that score start to even out and lean toward the CFLs in the coming months.

Now if they'd only come out with a 3-way CFL, they'd make a killing on us. I'm sure somebody's working on it.

I don't listen to Christian radio

2007-02-03T10:42:00.000-06:00

That's right, I admit it. I don't listen to Christian radio. It's not that I've never listened to it, but I do so very rarely. I like some of the songs on K-love, but mostly I can't handle the DJs. For those of you who worship at Horizons, if I ever sound like that when I'm making announcements, please stop me. To me, the announcers make Jesus sound like a slick new product, and after hearing them talk, even the songs sound like they were made for a commercial.

And there's something about being "positive and encouraging" that doesn't ring true for a Christian station. Is truth always positive and encouraging? Not when I read the Bible. And it's not that I want them to focus on being negative or discouraging either, but it's like their number one goal is to make me feel good on my commute.

Yesterday, when I was thinking about this blog, I forced myself to listen to K-love whenever I got in the car. I recognized some of the songs as ones we've sung or heard at Horizons. But the "Mercy Me at Waikiki" contest they're doing now just rubbed me the wrong way. Should we be buying into this whole celebrity culture that the rest of the world chases after and just substitute Christian celebrities?

However, I might enjoy a Mercy Me concert very much; I don't know, I've never been to one.

I don't listen much to Bible teachers on the radio either, although a few of them I like. I usually like Woodrow Kroll (from Lincoln) if I'm in my car between 6:30 and 7 p.m., because he tends to focus on the big picture and doesn't get bogged down into exegetical gymnastics.

I'm trying not to be a snoot about this. If you're into K-love and radio Bible teachers, go for it. Most of Horizons probably listens to K-love, at least. I'm just starting a discussion. Please reply.

Who wants to be rich?

2007-01-23T08:16:00.000-06:00

I thought it was just the Baby Boomers who wanted to be rich. In today's Lincoln Journal Star p. 6A, I read an article, "Survey shocker: Me Generation wants to be rich" by AP's Martha Irvine. It says that teenagers and early twenty-somethings have put a very high priority on having a very high income.

It surprised me, because I thought that's part of what they were rejecting about the Boomer lifestyle. But according to the article, they've been sucked into it by their Boomer parents. Everybody wants an Abercrombie and Fitch life.

Unless you follow Jesus.

When Jesus was being tempted by Satan, he had the chance to go for "all the kingdoms of the world." Heady stuff. But he walked away from it for a grander vision, something called the Kingdom of God. It was Life--with God at the center.

It's the alternative to the American obsession.

Did you celebrate Christmas in a way that even Jesus would love?

2006-12-27T15:28:00.000-06:00

"A Christmas even Jesus would love" has been our theme at Horizons in December, and I would like to hear from you about how this idea may have affected the way you approached the season.

Think about the following ten questions. If you can answer yes to even one of them, you've taken a step toward a Christmas Jesus would love.

1. Did you make a difference to at least one person in need?
2. Did you practice financial integrity in your business and your buying?
3. Did you choose to be gracious rather than grouchy with those who waited on you?
4. Did you invest in a ministry that shows hospitality to strangers?
5. Did you show hospitality to a stranger when the opportunity arose?
6. Did you show hospitality to those already around you?
7. Did you welcome a child in your extended family or neighborhood on Jesus' behalf?
8. Did you invest yourself in the lives of children in your church?
9. Did you open your heart to kids in need?
10. Did you open yourself to the gift of God's gracious friendship?

Please reply and let us know if there was any way that you honored or experienced Jesus this season. I'd love to hear from you. (And let me know you're out there reading! Thanks.)

What did you think of "Nativity" movie?

2006-12-21T12:03:00.000-06:00

If you read my previous posting, you got a few of my reflections on the movie. But for those of you who've seen it (about 200 from Horizons saw it last night), give us your reaction. I read an article in Christianity Today from the screenplay writer and how he wanted to show the human experience these people went through.

My favorite Christian movie critic, Jeffrey Overstreet, calls the movie uninspiring and disappointing. Here's his review. (My link button isn't working again, so you'll have to cut and paste this into your browser.)

http://lookingcloser.org/movie%20reviews/H-P/nativitystory.htm

Reviewing "The Nativity Story"

2006-12-12T14:35:00.000-06:00

Last night Tricia and I went to see "The Nativity Story." Two hundred people from Horizons are signed up to see it November 20th, and I don't want to spoil the movie for you, so if you want to read this review after you've seen it for yourself, I understand. (Beware, this is my longest posting ever.)

I applaud writer Mike Rich (Radio; The Rookie; Finding Forrester) and director Catherine Hardwicke (Lords of Dogtown; Thirteen) for doing their homework on the culture of first-century Galilee and Judea: the grain harvest, olive pressing, the design of the homes and villages, the temple in Jerusalem, the religious traditions. These are the things I liked best about the movie.

Anytime you translate a written text into audio and video, certain assumptions must be made. For example, a conversation between Herod and his son Herod Antipas is plausible based on what we know about Herod the Great. The alignment of planets as the star the magi saw is one of several explanations that have been offered. It's not necessarily what happened, but it's plausible. The fear that Mary might be stoned for being pregnant out of wedlock is not mentioned in scripture. But such punishment was allowable under Jewish law, if not usually carried out. Again, it's added into the story, but it's not implausible.

The writer has woven together Matthew's and Luke's stories into a seamless whole that works well. For example, Luke records that the newly pregnant Mary leaves Nazareth to visit her cousin Elizabeth in Judea. When Mary returns months later, she is visibly showing. This is where the film inserts the episode from Matthew's gospel of Joseph's initial rejection of Mary. I'd never thought about harmonizing those two events, but it flowed nicely in the film.

Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac both do an admirable job of not over playing their roles as Mary and Joseph. No academy award nominations here, but I liked them and found them believable. I especially appreciated that the relationship between Joseph and Mary was not overly romanticized. Herod was believeably sinister. The magi provided a touch of comic relief.

The PG rating is certainly deserving; if it had been one degree more graphic in a couple of violent scenes (like the opening scene), it easily could have earned a PG-13 rating, so parents beware. It's not a movie that little kids are going to like anyway. For adults, it's a little slow, but if you're patient, you'll enjoy it.

Now, to my complaints about the film--and they are not many.

First, there are some chronology issues. While much of the film works hard to be faithful to scripture (for example, Mary says to the angel, "May it be to me as you have said," directly quoting Luke 1:38), the film places Herod's order to kill all the infants and toddlers in Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born, causing the holy family to flee immediately to Egypt.

That does not fit with Luke's chronology. Luke says that on the eighth day Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem to be circumcised. This event is swept away in the "Nativity.”

It doesn't fit Matthew's chronology either, because Matthew implies that the magi arrived later, maybe even up to a couple years after Jesus was born. But in order to create the Christmas card scene, "Nativity" has the magi show up right on cue immediately after the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth. That Christmas card effect is enhanced by showing the light from the "star" piercing through a hole in the clouds down upon the holy family.

I appreciated the pre-introduction of a shepherd to Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. We then later see an angel appear to this same shepherd telling him about the birth of the Messiah. I was surprised that he was alone when the angel spoke to him. Usually I think of a band of shepherds being addressed. But then as you see him heading toward Bethlehem, you also see other shepherds proceeding from their own hillsides on their way to Bethlehem.

This would actually fit the biblical text; the angel didn't have to appear to them in a group. It makes more sense that they were scattered about. The one thing I did miss, though, was the great company of the heavenly host suddenly appearing and saying stuff like "Glory to God in the highest." That scene must've been left on the cutting room floor.

One nice touch was hearing the voice-over of Mary in the final scene quoting from her "Magnificat," which chronologically actually happened when she first arrived to see Elizabeth. But it's as if Mary is remembering it, and it's a beautiful way to summarize the events we've just witnessed.

"He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers" (Luke 1:51-55).

TeamMates on steroids

2006-11-22T15:23:00.000-06:00

Here's a quick post to let you know that I spent a couple hours a week ago Tuesday tagging along with Mike Heili, one of the chaplains for the men's shelter for the People's City Mission. It was my "First Serve" that we've been talking about at Horizons lately.

One man after another came to his office. One came in to visit. After that, Mike did an intake--telling someone coming into the mission the terms for staying there.

After that, guys one after another stood inside the door to Mike's office to talk awhile. Mike has a way of cutting through their barriers and getting them to face the heart of the matter. It doesn't work to be subtle with them. He has to be loving and confrontive at the same time. And he does a great job of letting them know he still likes them, and that he is (we all are) a real mess, too, but thank God for not giving up on us.

After my two hours there, I stood with Mike outside the front door of the mission and prayed for him. It nearly made me weep to know what he faces each and every day at work and how much God needs him there. But it will take more than human strength. It makes me want to pray for Mike and all the others who work on the front lines at the mission day after day. It makes me want to pray for them a lot.

I could see somebody reading this blog deciding to look into volunteering at the mission. Maybe being assigned somebody at the shelter to just visit with for an hour once a week. Maybe you'd get a new person every few weeks, but you'd visit with them once a week as long as they're there. You wouldn't try to fix all their problems, but you'd support them in working with God to find answers to what they face.

This would be like TeamMates on steroids.

Tag along with Mike

2006-11-04T22:10:00.000-06:00

Just to catch you up, I've decided what my "First Serve" will be.

(Based on a program Horizons is using from Willow Creek Community Church, "First Serve" is when each of us tries something out one time to see if it's a ministry God might be leading us to commit to on a regular basis. A "First Serve" means we shadow someone and primarily observe that initial time.)

For a couple hours on November 14, I'm going to tag along with Mike Heili, chaplain at the People's City Mission's men's shelter. I've decided to cancel staff meeting that morning to carve out time for it. I know that I can't add something unless first I subtract something else. Don't know if this will be regular thing or how I'd find time to make it regular; taking this just one step at a time for now.

But it'll be good for me to serve outside of Horizons, to do something that's truly volunteer and not part of my role as pastor.

I'll let you know how it goes. Peace.